[CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Week 4] Laboring through a crowded stretch of five games in 16 days, the Galaxy rested many starters yet still had enough quality to
beat Isidro Metapan, 1-0, in a Concacaf Champions League match Wednesday at StubHub Center.

Ex-Chivas USA midfielder Laurent Courtois, making just
his second appearance since signing with the Galaxy in July, netted the only goal in the sixth minute. Backup keeper Brian Rowe posted three saves to earn the
shutout as Los Angeles finished with a 15-12 edge in shots.

Courtois, 34, came to MLS in 2011 and played 33 games for Chivas USA prior to his release at the end of June. His only
appearance for the Galaxy prior to the CCL match was a league game against Vancouver July 20. He lined up in midfield with Michael Stephens and Pablo Mastroeni in a 4-3-3 formation that featured Jack McBean, Chandler Hoffman and
Jose Villarreal up top.

The Galaxy scored from a Greg Cochrane throw-in that Villarreal relayed to
Courtois, who first-timed a shot from the left flank inside the far post. Metapan goalkeeper Henry Hernandez fended off numerous Galaxy efforts to increase its
lead: he stymied Courtois and Hoffman later in the first half, denied Villarreal early in the second half, and stoned substitute Gyasi Zardes from close range
in the final minutes.

Balls played over the top gave Galaxy centerbacks Tommy Meyer and Kofi Opare some
problems, with Nicolas Munoz -- who hit the underside of the crossbar with a shot as the offside flag went up – particularly troublesome. Yet both Meyer
and Opare came up with vital blocks that enabled the Galaxy (2-0-0) to take over first place in Group 8.

The Galaxy will clinch a spot in the CCL quarterfinals if it can at least tie
second-place Cartagines (1-1-1), which it plays in Costa Rica next week. Isidro Metapan (0-2-1) cannot advance.

A busy schedule continues Saturday when the Galaxy hosts Seattle in a
Western Conference showdown at StubHub Center.